NEW - Retro Classic WOOLY WILLY Magnetic Art and Drawing Toy

• Classic Design: Authentic packaging and design from the original toy that's entertained generations

• Made in USA: Manufactured in the United States with high-quality materials

• Durable Construction: Iron shavings are securely sealed inside a heavy duty plastic bubble face

• No Batteries Required: No electricity needed - just old fashioned family fun!

• Creative Play: Endless possibilities for facial hair creations and artistic expression

• Nostalgic Gift: Perfect for collectors and introducing today's kids to classic retro toys

Manufacturer: Play Monster

Product: Wooly Willy Classic Magnetic Art Toy

Item Number: 2003251400

UPC: 038901000300

Age Recommendation: 3+ Years

Materials: Cardboard, Plastic, Metal Filings, Magnetic Wand

Batteries Required: No

Country of Origin: USA

Dimensions: 22 cm x 18 cm x 0.5 cm

Simple Science: Wooly Willy works using basic magnetic principles that are both educational and entertaining.

Using the Toy:

1. Hold the card flat to ensure the metal filings stay evenly distributed

2. Place the magnetic end of the wand against the plastic surface above the area you want to fill with "hair"

3. The iron powder will cling to the wand through the plastic barrier

4. Gently move the wand to drag the filings where you want them

5. When you've positioned the filings correctly, simply lift the wand away to drop them in place

6. To start over, simply turn the card over and shake gently to redistribute the filings

Design Tips: Start with outlined styles on the packaging for inspiration, then experiment with your own creative designs!

Wooly Willy's fascinating history began in Smethport, Pennsylvania in the 1950s. Brothers Donald and James Herzog, working for the Smethport Specialty Company, came up with the ingenious idea of using waste metal shavings from their production line to create a magnetic toy.

The concept was simple but brilliant: using magnets to move metal filings around on a cardboard face to create various hair styles, mustaches, and beards. In 1955, they filed a patent for their invention.

As luck would have it, the company had just secured a contract from the US Army to develop vacuum-sealed plastic packaging. The brothers realized this same technology could be used to securely contain the metal filings within a clear plastic bubble face. With the addition of a magnetic wand, Wooly Willy was born.

Initially, toy store buyers were skeptical about Wooly Willy's appeal. It wasn't until a buyer for the G.C. Murphy dime store chain ordered six dozen units (selling for 29 cents each) that Wooly Willy got its chance. Those initial units sold out within days, leading to an order for 12,000 more. When those also quickly sold out, the brothers knew they had a hit on their hands.

In 1965, production moved to a facility on Magnetic Avenue in Smethport, PA, where Wooly Willy continues to be manufactured today. Over 75 million Wooly Willys have been sold worldwide, making it one of the most enduring toys in American history.

Fine Motor Skills: Manipulating the magnetic wand to precisely place the iron filings helps develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor control.

Scientific Principles: Introduces children to basic concepts of magnetism in a fun, hands-on way.

Artistic Expression: Encourages creativity and artistic development as children design different facial features and hairstyles.

Spatial Awareness: Helps develop an understanding of spatial relationships as children plan and execute their designs.

Patience and Focus: Creating detailed designs requires concentration and persistence, building important executive function skills.

Historical Connection: Provides an opportunity to connect with toys from previous generations, opening discussions about how playtime has evolved over the decades.

Delivery: Enjoy FREE standard shipping to anywhere in Australia via Australia Post with every order! The option to upgrade to Express Post shipping for an additional flat fee Australia wide is available to select during checkout.

Estimated Delivery Time: 3-5 business days for standard shipping; 1-2 business days for express shipping.

Returns: We accept returns within 30 days of delivery. Item must be in original packaging and condition. Items with broken seals may not be eligible for return unless damaged or defective.

Exchanges: We're happy to exchange any items that don't meet your expectations. Please contact our customer service team to arrange an exchange.

No reviews to display as yet